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Fri 4 October 2024 7:00, UK

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has revealed he has “heard rumours” about Daniel Kretinsky “losing interest” in a full West Ham takeover.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the 49-year-old is a “quality buyer”, which doesn’t currently mesh with the on-field performance at the London Stadium.

Kretinsky bought a 27% stake in West Ham in November 2021 – and as part of that deal, he agreed an option to take full control of the club at a set price.

However, the Czech billionaire is yet to make such a move and has instead locked himself into a battle to take control of Royal Mail in the UK for £3.6billion.

West Ham is presently owned by four major investors – Kretinsky, David Sullivan, the Gold Family and Albert ‘Tripp’ Smith.

Kretinsky has ‘lost interest’ in a full West Ham takeover, says Wyness

Wyness has previously told Football Insider (27 September) that the Irons are actively pursuing new investment.

He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “Kretinsky was certainly looking, when he got his 27%, to acquire the entirety of West Ham.

“I know he’s also had the big deal with Royal Mail in the UK, which has given him a lot of political issues.

“He may have lost his focus on the Hammers due to that, but I don’t know why exactly he hasn’t moved forward.

“I’m hearing whispers that he may have lost interest in taking full ownership.

“But it’s not a happy ship at the moment. Like sponsors, new investors like to come in on a good wave rather than have a load of problems straight away.

“He’s a quality buyer, but West Ham aren’t really showing the quality he might have thought they had when he came in.

“I’ve heard he’s got the bug, however, he loves the club. He wants to see it do well, but it’s surprising he hasn’t consolidated his ownership.”

In other news, West Ham board “regret” sacking David Moyes, says ex-Irons scout.

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